Easter

Dear Bubbas,

I love you. I haven't been writing as often as I want to. Life just seems to get ahead of me lately. For that, I'm sorry. It in no way shape or form is a representation of how much fun we've been having or how much I love you. Just remember when you're grown up and have kiddos of your own that time really does seem to fly.

This weekend was Easter weekend. It really did a number on our family! We are a very relaxed bunch of people. We normally have one activity a weekend planned. The rest of the weekend is spent playing board games together and just vegging out. We are borderline hermits. This weekend we were forced to come out of our shells and be social and it has tuckered us out! As I write this you are all upstairs playing board games and trying desperately to keep your eyes open until 7:30 where you will climb into bed and be out before I make it back down the stairs.

Our Easter actually started on Tuesday. We had a small Easter egg hunt at our house with our friends. That was pretty fun and a great way to start our week. Then Friday at school you had another Easter egg hunt. You were pretty excited about hunting eggs at school, especially Kaylee!

Thursday we decorated Easter eggs. We had these cute little kits that had stickers and designs to help you turn your egg into a zoo animal or an alien. You had a blast making them, and then playing with them afterward. You were very disappointed the next day when I told you the eggs were going to become sandwiches. You made me take pictures of the eggs. I made you try a bite of the sandwich and Hunter started dry heaving, so clearly we were all on different wave lengths.

Saturday morning the madness began...

We went to a friends house for Easter brunch and an egg hunt. You had so much fun. The eggs were hidden really hard so Daddy helped you find them. There was one giant golden egg and a few imitation golden eggs. Connor found one of the smaller imitation golden eggs and was thrilled that it had  "20 pennies!"

We even got to play Easter bingo. You thought that was fantastic. I'm not sure if you've ever played bingo before, but you sure like it. We'll have to do that more often. I'm thinking maybe in the car on the way to the zoo next weekend...

We got home in time to take a quick nap and then it was off to Gramma Darrlyn's for Easter dinner and a glow in the dark egg hunt. You three played outside the entire time. It took us forever to stuff the eggs with glow sticks and hide them outside. There were way more eggs than we thought there were. We finished just as it was dark enough for you to come outside and look for the eggs. You all had flashlights and glow sticks to help you, but the yard was pretty lit up so it wasn't too hard! Even the dogs had glow necklaces on. It was the funnest egg hunt we've had ever! Hunter found the big Golden egg. He kept saying that Gramma thought she was so sneaky and hid the egg really well but he was such a good finder and he was so fast that he found it! He was so proud of himself! What's funny about that is that Gramma Darrlyn got all the credit and it was me and Grandma Shannon that hid all the eggs! He talked about that Golden egg all the way through the weekend until the egg finally made its way into the trophy case.

Some of the glow sticks wouldn't fit in the little eggs so we just made bracelets and set the egg in the middle of the bracelet in the grass. Somebody was running through the yard and taking the eggs but leaving the bracelets. My favorite part of the night was watching Kaylee. She kept running through the yard yelling, "I FOUND A GLOW STICK! ANOTHER GLOW STICK!" She had no idea that there was suppose to be an egg there too, she was just thrilled she found the stick! Loved it...

Connor spent the majority of the hunt calling for Kaylee and trying to help show her where the eggs were. At one point he told Christian to leave an egg where it was because it was for Kaylee to find. He's such a good big brother, such a protector and a lover. 

You all decorated Easter Bunny cookies at Grammas too. You had lots of fun doing that and they turned out pretty cute!

Then Easter morning the Easter bunny came! You were all thrilled with your baskets. Hunter kept saying he doesn't know how the Easter bunny knows all the things he likes. We had enough time to play with all the goodies before we headed to Benton City for an egg hunt with Josie.

It didn't seem to matter how many egg hunts you did, or what activity was next you just loved every minute of this weekend! We talked a lot this weekend about how it was a special weekend about Jesus and how he's risen from the grave. I loved listening to the three of you tell each other that the weekend wasn't about candy or eggs, but that it was about Jesus and how it was still ok to have fun, but that was should remember the real reason of Easter. You three are so smart!

I love you. I loved this week with you. Happy Easter my sweet babies! I love you, I love you!
Mommy

On the way from one activity to the next... clearly we should work on our endurance! =0)

Daddy's Princess

Dear Kaylee,

It was your second year of going to the Father Daughter Ball. This year was even better than the last year. I can't believe how much fun the two of you had, and you're only three years old! It makes me wonder how much fun the years ahead are going to hold.

Let's start a few weeks before the dance. At your birthday party Grandma Karen got you a very pretty purple dress and matching purple shoes, with a little purple sweater to wear over the top of the dress. You were in love with that outfit instantly! Knowing that I would need to use that dress for the Ball and for Easter I told you that you could not wear it until the Ball. This did not sit well with you and you begged me to wear the shoes. That I could handle, and so you wore the shoes- everywhere.

A few days after your birthday we were at Costco and they had their little girl Easter dress display out. You took one look and then began probably my most favorite conversation that I have ever had with you.

Kaylee- Mom! Can I get one of those pretty dress?!
Me- Well, you do have birthday money. Do you want to spend your money?
Kaylee- YES! When Daddy sees me wearing that pretty dress he will just fall down!

Oh my heart! We went directly over to the display and you picked out the dress that you just knew would make Daddy fall over!

We got home that afternoon, and took naps. When you woke up you were ready to get your dress on so that Daddy would see it right when he walked into the door. That's when we realized.... it didn't fit. The dress was a 2T but the hanger said 4T! This was not good! Your big beautiful eyes welled with tears instantly. Knowing that this was extremely important to you, we loaded back into the car and headed to Costco. They returned it quickly for us and even ran to the back of the store to get the right size. When the man handed me the dress he said, "Here you go m'am. 4T on the dress and 4T on the hanger."

You loudly interjected, "IS IT THE RIGHT SIZE!"

 As everyone giggled at how adorable you were, you carried your dress out to the car. 

Since you spent your own money on the dress I let you wear it anytime you wanted. You did too. You wore it to school, to the mall, to Winco. You wore that dress every chance you got, however you did not forget about the coveted purple dress in your closet. You asked me all the time if you could wear the purple dress, each time receiving the same answer. Until the night of the dance.

First we painted your nails. Purple and sparkly just like your shoes. Then we did your hair. During both of these you sat so still and patient. Finally, we put the dress on. You started spinning in it immediately. The smile on your face could not have gotten any bigger!

Somehow you were patient enough to make it through waiting for Daddy to get ready and then pictures outside before you went on your big date. Daddy took you to Olive Garden. You were having a good time as it was, but then Daddy broke out the necklace. He gave you a heart shaped, pink, sparkly locket. As soon as you saw it you said, "Oh DADDY!" You ran around the table and gave him a giant hug, officially melting his heart forever.

Daddy said you wanted him to open your locket all night long, and he finally had to tell you that you could only open a little bit or it could break. You had a great time at the ball. You danced with Daddy all night long! He swung you, twirled you, and dipped you until your hearts content.

You came home one happy little girl. Daddy was pretty happy too. Both of you were plum tuckered out! I'm so glad that the two of you have started this wonderful tradition. I can't wait to see what next year holds. I love you so much! You are one of Gods little princesses and deserve only to be treated as such. Remember these nights forever and when you find your prince be sure that he treats you that way too.

I love you, I love you!
Mommy

The necklace...

It was cold waiting to get into the dance, so Kaylee wore Daddy's coat. 

The theme was Hillbilly Hoedown, which is why she's wearing the yellow bandana. Daddy drew pictures on it and wrote notes to Kaylee on it about what she had for dinner and how much fun they were having. I'm going to put it in a shadow box with a picture of the two of them to hang in her room.

Best picture ever! Look at that tired, completely happy little girl!

Love Struck

Dear Hunter,

I suppose if you were going to get a new crush this year it makes sense that it happened in February. The other day you told me that you like Ashlynn in the car on the way home from preschool. This immediately sent Connor into an instant fit of laughter following numerous teasing and jokes directed your way. It was funny to me that Connor was teasing you for being love struck because I just didn't see that coming. I seriously thought I had a few more years. However, this is not the case. You are love struck.

I don't know who Ashlynn is, which is shocking to me because there are not very many girls in your class. I'm going to have to start watching more closely. On the way home you told me....

"Mom when Ashlynn is cold. I help warm her up."
"ummm... How do you warm her up."
"I put her hands in my hands under my coat sleeves or we find a warm place to go sit and talk."
"I see."
"And... when the teachers aren't watching out for Ashlynn, I watch out for her."
"That's nice of you."

This is about the time Connor couldn't hold his laughter in anymore and began teasing you for sitting next to her all the time in class and eating snack next to her.

Oh boy! That night I went to dinner with some friends and when I came home you were already in bed. I took the opportunity to tell your Dad. However, I only got half a sentence in before Daddy said, "oh yes, I heard all about Ashlynn tonight."

Then last night you wanted to watch a movie that Daddy didn't think was appropriate. He was trying to find a way to explain to you what he didn't like about. Long story short Daddy said, "Pretend that you like Ashlynn...." As quick as you could you interrupted and said, "BUT I DO LIKE ASHLYNN!"

I'm oh so curious to see what Valentines Day holds. Will you insist on getting her some sort of candy heart box, or will you spend extra time on her paper valentine? Only time will tell but I'm sure Connor will have something to say about it which in turn will make Mommy giggle at how darn adorable the two of you are.

Mommy giggles whenever she thinks you say or do something exceptionally adorable. One day several months ago, I started giggling and you did not think it was funny. You asked very angrily why I was laughing at you. Before I could answer Daddy responded, "Hunter, Mommy laughs at Daddy too. She laughs when she thinks you're being really cute." Ever since you haven't minded my quiet snickers, which I'm so thankful for because Daddy was absolutely right.

I can see why you're already such a ladies man. You are adorable, you have such a sense of humor, you are fun to be around, and you are such a good friend to everyone you meet. I predict the girls will only fall harder for you the older and older you get. I guess it's time for Mommy to start praying like crazy for God to protect your heart and to lead you in the right direction and to one day introduce you to the perfect girl.....One day far away!

I love you,
Mommy

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

Dear Kaylee,

Happy 3rd Birthday! I just can't wrap my head around the fact that it has been 3 years. You are such an amazing little girl. You are so sweet and full of life.

This year you wanted a Strawberry THE Shortcake party. You picked out your own cake complete with polky dots and even proofed the invitations Daddy made. You like to be involved in the details and you don't hesitate to tell us you don't like something.

We had an all girl party and you were totally thrilled. You loved that the twins were giving you so much attention and that it was only your friends at the party. You reminded us frequently that no boys were coming. You were very concerned that the boys would blow out your candles. We made sure that everyone was sitting down but you and Daddy when it was time to blow out the candles. The look on your face when we were singing was priceless. I could tell that you had waited weeks for that moment. Daddy lifted you up to blow out your candles and it was everything you hoped it would be.

You say so many funny things. I don't know where you get them. Today we were walking in Costco and you saw the display of Easter Dresses. You were instantly drawn to them.

Kaylee- Mom! Can I get one of those pretty dress?!
Me- Well, you do have birthday money. Do you want to spend your money?
Kaylee- YES! When Daddy sees me wearing that pretty dress he will just fall down!

 

I texted Daddy and told him what you said and he was thrilled. He texted back that he was about to fall down over how cute you were. He came home and made a big deal of your pretty dress all night long. You totally soaked up the attention.  

You got a doll for your birthday and you told me that the doll looks like it has broccoli hair. I said I thought the dolls hair was fine and you said, "I don't like broccoli hair, I like normal hair." 

I wish I could describe in words how absolutely precious you are. You make us laugh every day, you are even cuter than you can imagine, and I just can't imagine what our days would be like without you. 

I love you sweet girl! 

Mommy

Best Lights

Dear Bubbas,

The Christmas season is almost over. We have just a few days left until all the major festivities begin. This year has been a little different for us since Mommy has been so sick. We haven't baked as much and we haven't had any holiday parties with our friends. However, there was one tradition we started last year that we really wanted to continue- The Best Lights Award!

This year we bought big candy canes filled with M&M's and we made tags that said Best Lights. The three of you colored the tags and put stickers all over them. Mommy attached the tag with a ribbon and we were ready to roll. We had a lot of awards to give out this year because you wanted more than Mommy and Daddy were going to buy. We were going to give you 3 candy canes each. Since you didn't think that was enough Daddy said you could give us a quarter for each additional candy cane you wanted. Connor and Kaylee bought 9 additional candy canes and Hunter bought 5!

You had so much fun getting them ready. You were so excited to go light seeing when Daddy came home that you barely took a nap. In fact, Hunter didn't sleep at all! When Daddy got home we loaded up and left right away.

You had a blast! You loved picking the houses and handing people their awards. I love seeing their reactions. Some people just can't get over how adorable you are, some are shocked that they won an award, some are proud and follow us out to the car talking about the lights they chose and why they chose them, and some are just plain tickled by the whole thing.

The funniest thing that happened all night....We stopped at this house that Kaylee picked out. All night she had done such a good job of handing the people the candy cane and saying "Happy Christmas!" This time, when they answered the door it was a big black man standing there. Kaylee, having never seen a big black man before, set the candy cane at his feet and turned around to head back to the car. She had this look on her face that said, "Nope... not going there."  I made small talk with the man and explained that we were giving out awards for the best lights. He was thrilled and thought Kaylee was adorable. When I got to the car I was giggling so hard.

We had to stop half way through for hamburgers and at the 2 hour mark when it started raining pretty steadily we called it quits even though Connor and Kaylee were not out of candy canes.

It was a really fun night. I'm so glad this is becoming our family tradition. I love you guys! I can't wait for the next few days. We're going to have so much fun!

Love,
Mommy

Talking, talking, talking!

Dear Kaylee,

You have had a lot to say lately. Earlier today all three of you were in your room having a camp out nap on the floor. You wouldn't stop talking so I warned you that if I heard your voice again you'd have to come sleep in my room for nap time. It took a whole 30 seconds before you started talking and I yanked you into my room. We were laying there on my bed for another good minute before you said....

"Mommy."

"Kaylee, go to sleep."

"Mom... I want to tell you something."

"You can tell me after naps."

"I want to tell you something."

"What?!"

"Next time, I'm not going to talk, I'm going to be very quiet so that I can have the fan and stay in my room."

"Ok, go to sleep."

"Mom..."

"Kaylee, I mean it."

"Mom, I have to tell you something."

"What?!"

"Winnie the Pooh has two pots. One on top and one on bottom. The one on bottom is blue and the one on top is spilling out because it doesn't have a lid."

"That's fascinating, please go to sleep now. "

"Mom."

"Kaylee Jean"

"I have to tell you something."

"No. It's time to go to sleep."

"I have to tell you!"

"What?!!!"

"Last year (meaning yesterday), I heard with one ear that you were throwing up, so I came into the bathroom and I saw it. I flushed the toilet because you're Mommy."

"That was very nice of you. And you're my Kaylee."

"Yup!"

"good night Kaylee."

"Good night!"


You make me laugh so much. Sometimes not in the moment, but definitely after. Mommy has been pretty sick lately. The first trimester is always really rough on Mommy. You have had lots to say about that as well. One day when I was dry heaving you yelled, "MOM! I can't hear the MOVIE!"

This morning I was dry heaving in the bathroom in the sink. You came in and said, "Mom, can you please do that upstairs. I have to go potty." As best I could I muttered... just go!

Clearly, I have become an inconvenience for you. I just can't imagine the inconvenience you are going to feel when the baby actually gets here!

I love hearing your little voice. I love your laugh. I love you.
Mommy

I'm not a honey!

Dear Kaylee,

I love hearing your voice. It is so sweet and you always have so much to say! You are very, very opinionated. I wanted to throw you a Minnie Mouse party because the decorations and ideas I found looked so adorable. You want a Strawberry Shortcake Party. I was going to try to convince you until one night I overheard a conversation when you were suppose to be sleeping.

You whispered, "What kind of party are you going to pick? I'm having Strawberry the Shortcake party. I'm so EXCITED!"

How can I try to change your mind after that? I conceded and began looking for the perfect Strawberry Shortcake cake. I found the one I really wanted to make. It was going to be difficult and I was going to need help on it which I found exciting because I could work with a friend and learn more. You came into the office and saw it on the computer monitor. You got excited and yelled," STRAWBERRY THE SHORTCAKE!"

I told you that I was looking at the cake I was going to make you. You looked at it for a few seconds and then said, "No."

What?! I backed up a page to all the Google images and said, "Well, what do you want?" You instantly found a cake that you wanted! You pointed at it and yelled... "That ONE! Strawberry Shortcake with all the pokey dots!"

The one you picked looks so simple to make. I should be grateful but really I just can't quit giggling over your personality.

You've had some exciting days the last few weeks. Halloween, our pumpkin party, Cowboy days at preschool. You were so excited about your Cowboy day because you got to wear your cowboy hat and you got to have a bacon snack! You've been enjoying things this year more than ever, fully immersing yourself in the activities and looking forward to them far in advance!

You like to be called Kaylee. Nothing else. Grandma Karen frustrated you the other day by calling you other names. We ran into her at Walmart and she said, "Hi sweetie pie!"

You instantly told her, "I'm not a PIE, I  KAYLEE!"

Then when she was leaving Grandma Karen said, "See you later Alligator."

To which you replied, very annoyed and frustrated, "I'm NOT A ALLIGATOR, I  KAYLEE!"

Grandma Karen apologized profusely and you got over it. Just a couple days later though we were having dinner at Grandma Karen's house and you fell over and hurt yourself. You were trying to be so tough and not cry. It scared me when you fell and I had said, "Oh Honey!"

The boys jumped all over that and began saying "Honey, Honey, Honey."
With tears welling in your eyes and sniffles in your nose you proclaimed, "NO! I NOT A HONEY! I KAYLEE!"

Probably the most precious sight ever, I had to sweep you up in a big hug. I'm so excited for the holidays this year. You are going to make them so fun and exciting! I love this age you're at. I love your snuggles. I love you!

Mommy

The cake that I wanted to make...

The cake that you want...